Georgia – and the rest of the nation – stands on the eve of the busiest travel day of the year. More travel means more hazards, more accidents, and law enforcement presence.
The 102-hour holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025. The busiest travel day of those 102 hours is Wednesday, November 26, 2025. There will be a significant increase in traffic on Georgia’s highways on this day.
Officers from the Georgia State Patrol and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement will be highly visible during the Thanksgiving week, enforcing traffic laws and urging responsible, patient driving. According to AAA, at least 73 million people will travel by car – that’s nearly 90 percent of Thanksgiving travelers – and an additional 1.3 million people on the road compared to last Thanksgiving. That number could be even higher if some air travelers decide to drive instead of fly following recent flight cancellations.
Here are the best and worst times to travel by car on each day of the holiday week:
- 11/26 – Best, before 11 a.m. Worst, 11 a.m. — 8 p.m.
- 11/27 – Minimal traffic impact expected
- 11/28 – Best, before 11 a.m. Worst, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- 11/29 – Best, before 10 a.m. Worst, 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- 11/30 – Best, before 11 a.m. Worst, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Here are some travel tips to keep you and your loved ones safe as you travel this weekend:
- Observe the posted speed limit. When you exceed the speed limit, you reduce the amount of time needed to avoid a traffic crash.
- Observe all traffic laws and signals. Traffic laws and signals exist for your safety; failure to obey them can result in crashes that may seriously injure or kill you or others.
- Do not drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, rideshare service, friend, or family member to get you home safely.
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt. Also, properly install child safety seats. Georgia law requires children under the age of eight to be in either a car seat or booster seat suitable for their age, weight, and height.
- Show common courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads. Be mindful of your fellow motorists, especially the most vulnerable, pedestrians and cyclists. Stop at all stop signs, traffic signals, and crosswalks, and check your blind spots.
- Pay attention to large trucks and buses. Leave extra space when merging in front of these large vehicles, anticipate wide turns, stay a safe distance back, signal clearly when merging in front of, or passing, and be patient.
- Do not drive distracted. Refrain from performing any activity that may take your focus off the road, such as texting while driving. On July 1, 2018, the Hands-Free Georgia Act became effective. It prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving.
In addition to safe driving practices, ensure your vehicle is prepared for holiday travel:
- Are your lights shining bright? Make sure all the lights are working properly, including high and low beams, flashers, directional signals, brake lights, and the tag light.
- Wipe away your troubles. Now is a good time to replace your wiper blades. Many auto parts stores will install them for free while you wait.
- Windshield washer fluid. Road trips can require a lot of washer fluid to keep the windshield clear. Keep a gallon in the trunk, just in case!
- Keep the engine in top condition. Check the radiator and heater hoses for cracks and leaks. Generally, the antifreeze mix should be flushed at least every two years.
- Pump up the pressure. Underinflated tires cause unsafe handling and braking. Check the pressure in all your tires once a month and before any trip.
- Be prepared. Have a few basics along in case you do have trouble, including a charger for your cell phone, flashlight, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning light or flares, and jumper cables.
During the 2024 Thanksgiving travel period, the GSP reported 684 crashes, 349 injuries, 17 fatalities, 474 DUI arrests, 1,336 distracted driving stops, 9,479 speeding citations, 1,542 seatbelt violations, 17,356 citations, and 24,255 warnings.
